Democratic Divisions Surface as House Votes to Censure Rep. Al Green

[Social Media]

 

Ten Democrats crossed party lines on Thursday to join Republicans in censuring Rep. Al Green over his protest during former President Donald Trump’s address to Congress, marking a formal rebuke of the Texas Democrat's actions.  

Congressman Al Green repeatedly disrupts the address and Speaker Johnson had him tossed out of the chamber.

We are so back.
U-S-A!! #JointAddress 🏛 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/DQpO20ro9r

— Andrea Katherine (@AndreaKatSTL) March 5, 2025

 

The vote underscored ongoing fractures within the Democratic Party as members grapple with how to respond to Trump and the Republican-controlled Congress. While some Democrats staged walkouts, displayed protest signs, or boycotted the speech entirely, others heeded the leadership’s advice to remain composed and avoid giving Republicans ammunition to criticize them.  

 

Green, 77, made headlines when he interrupted Trump’s address, prompting House Speaker Mike Johnson to remove him from the chamber. The lawmaker later defended his actions, stating he was protesting Trump's claims of a mandate and his plans to cut Medicaid. "I have no ill feelings toward the speaker, none toward the persons that escorted me away from the floor, because I did disrupt. And I did so because the president indicated that he had a mandate. And I wanted him to know that he didn’t have a mandate to cut Medicaid," Green said in a speech on the House floor Thursday.  

 

The House ultimately voted 224-198 to censure Green, with both the congressman and freshman Democrat Rep. Shomari Figures of Alabama voting “present.” Censure, once a rare disciplinary measure, has been used more frequently in recent years. While it does not impose a direct penalty, it serves as a significant public reprimand.  

 

Speaker Johnson condemned Green’s actions as "shameful and egregious," arguing that they "disgraced the institution of Congress." In a post on X earlier that morning, he urged Democrats to back the censure, stating, "Any Democrat who is concerned about regaining the trust and respect of the American people should join House Republicans in this effort."  

 

Among the 10 Democrats who supported the measure were Ami Bera (California), Ed Case (Hawaii), Jim Costa (California), Laura Gillen (New York), Jim Himes (Connecticut), Chrissy Houlahan (Pennsylvania), Marcy Kaptur (Ohio), Jared Moskowitz (Florida), Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (Washington), and Tom Suozzi (New York). Many of these lawmakers are centrists affiliated with groups such as the Blue Dog Coalition, the New Democrat Coalition, or the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus. Notably, Kaptur, Suozzi, and Gluesenkamp Perez represent districts that Trump carried in the last election.  

 

Himes, one of the Democrats who voted in favor of censure, explained his decision by emphasizing respect for congressional decorum. "I don’t mind being one of 10 Democrats who said, no, there’s a deeper principle at stake here, which is reverence for this institution," he said. "I have no love for Donald Trump, but I do have reverence for the Office of the President."  

 

The internal divisions over Green’s protest reflect broader frustrations within the party. Some Democrats privately expressed anger, arguing that the congressman’s actions overshadowed key issues, including Trump’s push to dismantle the Department of Education. "People are pissed," one Democratic lawmaker admitted anonymously, adding that Green’s protest felt “selfish” given the leadership’s call for restraint. "A lot of people are like, why aren’t we on the same team?"  

 

Despite the censure, Green remained defiant, stating that he had no regrets and would do it all again. Meanwhile, conservative House members have signaled they may push for additional punishment by attempting to strip Green of his committee assignments, a measure expected to be introduced in the coming days.  

 

As the dust settles, the episode serves as yet another reminder of the challenges Democrats face in maintaining party unity while navigating the political landscape under Trump’s influence.

 

Based on a report by CNN  2025-03-08

 

 

[WDSmart]

I support what Al Green did, but I also believe he should be censored. Many protest movements break the law or rules when protesting and are arrested or face some actions. The protestors just have to believe their protest is more important than the punishment.

[Colki]

Must be something in the name Green. Marjorie Taylor Green displayed the same behaviour to President Biden.

[kimothai]

He should be the poster child for the Democratic party.   

[Watawattana]

He should get caned for what he did. 🙈

[BusyB]

7 hours ago, WDSmart said:

I support what Al Green did, but I also believe he should be censored. Many protest movements break the law or rules when protesting and are arrested or face some actions. The protestors just have to believe their protest is more important than the punishment.

 

Speaking as someone who was jailed for resisting and refusing, and later risked his career by taking part in serious civil protests (for issues I obviously thought were more important than my little self) I agree.

 

Or every Tom, Dick and Harry would be at it because they didn't feel well that day.

 

That element of risk is essential.

 

Suppression, torture and tyranny towards protest however is not acceptable. 

 

Fact is that no government or authority takes real notice until they realize they've gone too far and start to get scared.

 

I also support Al Green. The only real spine in the entire house that evening. 

[mrwebb8825]

On 3/7/2025 at 6:08 PM, Social Media said:

Censure, once a rare disciplinary measure, has been used more frequently in recent years. While it does not impose a direct penalty, it serves as a significant public reprimand.

He thinks it's an easy way to the Senate, after all, it worked for Shifty Shift.